I wasn't around yet when this show aired (born in 76, so my earliest memory of Jack was, of course, The Joker's Wild). I don't suppose they'd do something like this nowadays to put over an HD screen, considering how sensitive those things are.
I could not remember the show or what the plastic screen was called, but a google search found it. It is the first TV show I remember watching, and oddly what I recall the most is the smell and feel of the "magic window." Does anyone else remember the particular smell of the thing? It wasn't a bad smell, just unusual. Smells jog my memory better than anything else.
@dbilyeu Just the thought of the screen and crayons and I CAN smell that specific smell. I thought I was the only one. Great, fun show for us 1950's kids!
I adored this show. Like others, I could never draw quickly enough, and was somewhat disappointed when Winky would make it across the crevice without my help. (And the magic screen would never stick to our tiny tv screen).
Fifty-two cents for the basic Winky Dink kit, $2.95 for one with some extras. Never had one of the larger sets sincemy folks couldn't afford the cost. Mae Questel (Olive Oyl and Betty Boop) provided Winky's voice. Jack Barry hosted many TV quiz shows (Tic-Tac-Dough, Twenty One, Juvenile Jury, The Joker's Wild) but fell from grace over the quiz show scandals.
Oh, man, does this bring me back to my infancy! I loved Winky Dink back in 1955! You put this plastic on the screen and drew along. It was a great concept for little kids. Thanks for the memory.
OMG - I kind of remembered this, but thought I was just imagining it. Now I finally know my memory was corrent. I think I may have been 4 years old when this came out. I remember we had the plastic screen and my brother and I would fight over who's turn it was!! And I mean, knock down drag out fighting!!! Thanks for posting this.
Watched this when I was little...we would put seran wrap on the tv though... Anyway, was listening to the theme song... look up a group MGMT and the song is called "KIDS".... not exactly, but similar. Just thought it was funny :)
@dancingrizz Ha-ha! Someone else who did the same thing I did! I couldn't find my Magic Screen quickly enough to draw the daily tracings, so I just went ahead and drew on the screen. BAD MOVE!!! We didn't have much money back in those days, and Mom and Dad insisted that we really treat our TV gently and respectfully. I never made THAT mistake again!!
@dancingrizz You weren't the only one...many parents whose kids either didn't own the kit or had yet to buy it had complained to CBS that the show had caused their children to draw on their TV screens, and it was one of the factors that lead CBS to decide to cancel the show.
This was one of my favorites also, I saved the vinyl "magic screen" also, until the material started degrading and got gooey. I like telling the youngsters about the show, and wonder if there is anything similar to it today, using a website?
@emptynester7985 This is an interesting story. I don't know about any shows like this today but it wouldn't be good for kids to draw on a computer screen, lol :) -Michael
My mom used to tell me a story about this show. She said she wrote a letter to TVGuide saying that you could just use Saran Wrap instead of the magic screen & that TVGuide printed it. This is the first time I've ever seen the actual show. Thanks for posting!!
@Sacrias - Good call! Winky Dink was voiced by an actress named Mae Questel, who besides voicing Winky, was also the voice of Olive Oil and Betty Boop!
I've interview one of the regulars of the original CBS TV Network version of"Winky Dink & You"..Mr.Dayton Allen..A talented,creative and sweet man..I also Mae Questel The Voice of"Winky Dink".
I grew up watching this show as a kid in the 50s. I had the magic window that you put over the TV screen. It was a sheet of green plastic that you drew on with a special crayon. You erased it by wiping it with a cloth. It's amazing that videos of this still exist!
It was because I kept drawing on the TV that my parents finally bought me the kit. This video is awesome - what rgeat memories. Thanks for posting this.
I watched this program as a child, and I remember how exciting it was to get the Winky Dink and You kit in the mail. There was a distinctive (and pleasant) smell to the magic window and crayons. Thanks for posting this.
"WINKY DINK AND YOU" was on CBS' Saturday morning schedule, either at 10:30 or 11am (et), depending on the season. Mae Questel, best known as the voices of Betty Boop, Olive Oyl and Little Audrey in Paramount theatrical cartoons, was Winky's voice.
This is a great upload, never seen it before, very interesting, esp. that info you provide. That Cousin Slim sure is hard to please. Early tv only possible right here. Thank you!!
I've heard of this show, I understand a number of kids didn't wait to get the magic screen and drew directly on the tv screens, much to their parents distress.
I'm surprised Jack didn't blame Winky for the gameshow scandals. "I don't think you should fix 21 Jaaaaaack...." :)
I've heard of the show, but this was way before my time! My older co-workers have mentioned this show when they were growing up. I'm sure it was very "high-tech" for it's time.
My mother told me she used to watch this show and had the kit. Just as Jack Barry said to do, my mother shared the crayons with her sister.
In this day and age, there could be computer software to draw with a mouse on top of a video image--sort of like "telestrating."
jeopardy60611 1 month ago
I wasn't around yet when this show aired (born in 76, so my earliest memory of Jack was, of course, The Joker's Wild). I don't suppose they'd do something like this nowadays to put over an HD screen, considering how sensitive those things are.
johnissoevil 2 months ago
I watched these shows and learned from them.
Maese91 4 months ago
I could not remember the show or what the plastic screen was called, but a google search found it. It is the first TV show I remember watching, and oddly what I recall the most is the smell and feel of the "magic window." Does anyone else remember the particular smell of the thing? It wasn't a bad smell, just unusual. Smells jog my memory better than anything else.
dbilyeu 5 months ago
@dbilyeu Just the thought of the screen and crayons and I CAN smell that specific smell. I thought I was the only one. Great, fun show for us 1950's kids!
emvolunteer 5 months ago
LOVED this show as a kid, back in the dark ages. ;o)
spiritwarriorwoman 5 months ago in playlist SOUPY/WINKY-DINK/MORE
I do remember this show and had so much playing along with it. Thanks for posting it on YouTube.
marilynstearn 6 months ago
Thumbs up if Siskel & Ebert brought you here.
acholl980 6 months ago
Sure I remember this. Saran wrap worked as the magic screen, but not as well as the one you'd order. What fun when you're a kid.
aucksmix 6 months ago
Comment removed
deborahonbequia 8 months ago
my gosh this takes me back 50 years or so
tradebaker 8 months ago
Never heard of this show. VERY clever creative concept!! Why don't they bring this back?
markcruiser64 9 months ago
@markcruiser64 I ask that question myself.
Juliaflo 4 months ago
@Juliaflo With I-pad technology and touchscreen utilization this could be used in new and future kids TV shows.
markcruiser64 4 months ago
This was a set up we all used to draw on the TV and catch hell for it.
celticqueen0206 9 months ago
I adored this show. Like others, I could never draw quickly enough, and was somewhat disappointed when Winky would make it across the crevice without my help. (And the magic screen would never stick to our tiny tv screen).
Jakeornot 11 months ago
Fifty-two cents for the basic Winky Dink kit, $2.95 for one with some extras. Never had one of the larger sets sincemy folks couldn't afford the cost. Mae Questel (Olive Oyl and Betty Boop) provided Winky's voice. Jack Barry hosted many TV quiz shows (Tic-Tac-Dough, Twenty One, Juvenile Jury, The Joker's Wild) but fell from grace over the quiz show scandals.
GTbooster 11 months ago
HAHah brings back wonderful memories for me! I had the vinyl screen also to put onthe TV!
Master1950 1 year ago
Oh, man, does this bring me back to my infancy! I loved Winky Dink back in 1955! You put this plastic on the screen and drew along. It was a great concept for little kids. Thanks for the memory.
JBGodzilla 1 year ago
I loved this show.. had the magic window
janreesman808 1 year ago
OMG - I kind of remembered this, but thought I was just imagining it. Now I finally know my memory was corrent. I think I may have been 4 years old when this came out. I remember we had the plastic screen and my brother and I would fight over who's turn it was!! And I mean, knock down drag out fighting!!! Thanks for posting this.
gmadiva 1 year ago
Watched this when I was little...we would put seran wrap on the tv though... Anyway, was listening to the theme song... look up a group MGMT and the song is called "KIDS".... not exactly, but similar. Just thought it was funny :)
Notginger0763 1 year ago
I drew on the tv and got my ass beat
dancingrizz 1 year ago 16
@dancingrizz Risky business, lol. -Michael
hwy61media 1 year ago
@dancingrizz Don't feel like the Lone Ranger!!!! Same thing happened to me!
cptphilb 1 year ago
@cptphilb could'nt have been just me.lol
dancingrizz 1 year ago
@dancingrizz Ha-ha! Someone else who did the same thing I did! I couldn't find my Magic Screen quickly enough to draw the daily tracings, so I just went ahead and drew on the screen. BAD MOVE!!! We didn't have much money back in those days, and Mom and Dad insisted that we really treat our TV gently and respectfully. I never made THAT mistake again!!
4325air 1 year ago
@4325air At least you had the game. My cheap section 8 living parents said no you can't sit that close to to TV so you can't play.
dancingrizz 1 year ago
@dancingrizz You weren't the only one...many parents whose kids either didn't own the kit or had yet to buy it had complained to CBS that the show had caused their children to draw on their TV screens, and it was one of the factors that lead CBS to decide to cancel the show.
johnissoevil 2 months ago
This was one of my favorites also, I saved the vinyl "magic screen" also, until the material started degrading and got gooey. I like telling the youngsters about the show, and wonder if there is anything similar to it today, using a website?
emptynester7985 1 year ago
@emptynester7985 This is an interesting story. I don't know about any shows like this today but it wouldn't be good for kids to draw on a computer screen, lol :) -Michael
hwy61media 1 year ago
@hwy61media Yeah, you'd think there'd be an app for it by now.
Kohdok 5 months ago
My mom used to tell me a story about this show. She said she wrote a letter to TVGuide saying that you could just use Saran Wrap instead of the magic screen & that TVGuide printed it. This is the first time I've ever seen the actual show. Thanks for posting!!
vozpit 1 year ago 2
@vozpit Great story. I'm glad you got to see it.
hwy61media 1 year ago
My dad couldn't afford a magic screen or whatever, so he just drew on the TV with sharpie, lol. And my mom used syran wrap. XD
xFalloutVids 1 year ago
@xFalloutVids I think that happened a lot! Thanks for commenting. -Michael
hwy61media 1 year ago
I still have my Winky Dink and You set...magic screen, crayons, eraser cloth. Also listen to Winky, it's Mae Questal who voiced Olive Oyl on Popeye!
dale46metz 1 year ago
Winky Dink sounds like Betty Boop~
Sacrias 1 year ago
@Sacrias - Good call! Winky Dink was voiced by an actress named Mae Questel, who besides voicing Winky, was also the voice of Olive Oil and Betty Boop!
SenhordoBonfim 1 year ago
OMG! I had one of those screens that stuck to the picture tube, living large!
diptwares 1 year ago
I've interview one of the regulars of the original CBS TV Network version of"Winky Dink & You"..Mr.Dayton Allen..A talented,creative and sweet man..I also Mae Questel The Voice of"Winky Dink".
143AC 1 year ago
I grew up watching this show as a kid in the 50s. I had the magic window that you put over the TV screen. It was a sheet of green plastic that you drew on with a special crayon. You erased it by wiping it with a cloth. It's amazing that videos of this still exist!
acoustics101 1 year ago
It was because I kept drawing on the TV that my parents finally bought me the kit. This video is awesome - what rgeat memories. Thanks for posting this.
frayrob 1 year ago
I watched this program as a child, and I remember how exciting it was to get the Winky Dink and You kit in the mail. There was a distinctive (and pleasant) smell to the magic window and crayons. Thanks for posting this.
isaacbutterworth 1 year ago
Oh goodness...thank you for this. I loved this when I was little. I've thought of it so many times through the years.
Luvyabye 1 year ago
@Luvyabye I love comments like this. I'm always happy to bring back some fond memories :)
hwy61media 1 year ago
Too many kids drew on the set without the magic screen and really angered their parents who always had to wash it off.
RJRanke 2 years ago
@RJRanke I've heard that and it makes sense :)
hwy61media 2 years ago
@hwy61media
When my brother and I sent in for a Winky Dink kit,we found out that we couldn't draw as fast as they wanted us to.(Chuckle!)
RJRanke 2 years ago 2
@RJRanke Now that's funny! I hope you enjoyed it anyway :)
hwy61media 2 years ago
@RJRanke I'm one of those kids.
BrooklynBoy639 1 year ago
@RJRanke far to true my boyfriend remembers doing just that when he was little.
rapingurchurches 1 year ago
Nope don't remember this program...looks interesting tho'. Cute host.
~Rita~
AfsAnehAfairytale 2 years ago
This was my favorite show as a kid. Interactive TV in 1953!
freydont 2 years ago
Groundbreaking. A show ahead of its time!
hwy61media 2 years ago
50's TV did have radiation...how many cats slept on top of the TVs and got feline lukemia....a lot, unfortunately.
angelsart 2 years ago
Ok, I'll bite. Are you serious?
hwy61media 2 years ago
"I'm sure you've seen your dad or your brother smoking a pipe"... Try making that sound so wholesome in 2010.
cherrypizza 2 years ago 2
I wouldn't touch that line. LOL
hwy61media 2 years ago
Tv does not give off radiation!!!!!
markm0918 2 years ago
That's right kids. Get right up there and be just a few inches away from the ol Radiation King TV set as you draw.
mhirtes12 2 years ago
"WINKY DINK AND YOU" was on CBS' Saturday morning schedule, either at 10:30 or 11am (et), depending on the season. Mae Questel, best known as the voices of Betty Boop, Olive Oyl and Little Audrey in Paramount theatrical cartoons, was Winky's voice.
fromthesidelines 2 years ago 5
That voice really got around.
hwy61media 2 years ago
@fromthesidelines I think Cyndi Lauper modeled her voice after this lady - especially when she sang the theme to "Pee Wee's Playhouse"
ChasBeauregarde 9 months ago
The show ran from 1953 to 1957. I don't know the date of this episode.
hwy61media 2 years ago
I have never seen this show. Thanks for uploading it, I really enjoyed watching it ;)
debmartin64 2 years ago
Neither had I Deb. Just happened to come across this episode and it looked interesting because of its interactivity.
hwy61media 2 years ago
This is a great upload, never seen it before, very interesting, esp. that info you provide. That Cousin Slim sure is hard to please. Early tv only possible right here. Thank you!!
Rita
AfsAnehAfairytale 2 years ago
Thank you Rita. This is definitely early tv! Thank you for your comment.
hwy61media 2 years ago
I've heard of this show, I understand a number of kids didn't wait to get the magic screen and drew directly on the tv screens, much to their parents distress.
I'm surprised Jack didn't blame Winky for the gameshow scandals. "I don't think you should fix 21 Jaaaaaack...." :)
garrisonskunk 2 years ago
I can just picture that happening. I would say very distressed parents indeed!
hwy61media 2 years ago
I've heard of the show, but this was way before my time! My older co-workers have mentioned this show when they were growing up. I'm sure it was very "high-tech" for it's time.
Idoljunky32 2 years ago 2
Pretty smart thinking on the part of its creator. Get the kids involved :)
hwy61media 2 years ago